Frequently Asked Questions
The work of the County Superintendent of Schools and the Santa Barbara County Education Office
What are examples of how you are helping to advance reading, writing, math, and science?
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We have a dedicated team at SBCEO supporting literacy at a district’s request. From foundational literacy, to understanding reading difficulties, designated and integrated English Language Development, pre-kindergarten through secondary instructional practices, and connecting to curriculum through a Science of Reading lens. *SBCEO is supporting 75 teachers, countywide, to add Reading and Literacy credentials. This is an intense program that educators complete during their school year. *We have a dedicated team at SBCEO supporting mathematics at a district’s request and we are the statewide math lead for the California Math, Science, and Computer Science Grant, providing professional learning for educators throughout California.
What are the key roles and responsibilities of the Santa Barbara County Superintendent of Schools?
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The position of County Superintendent of Schools, established in the California State Constitution in 1879, has evolved to meet the changing needs of the state and its students. County Superintendents operate as intermediate service agencies providing direct and regional support to school districts, and serve as the primary implementation arm of the California Department of Education (CDE). The responsibilities of these constitutional officers may vary from one county to the next, but fall generally into these categories: *Educating specific student populations (i.e., special education and justice-involved youth) *Monitoring and oversight for district fiscal stability *Providing academic support and assistance to districts and their schools *Providing direct services to small school districts *Reviewing school district Local Control and Accountability Plans (LCAPs) and ensuring alignment of projected spending, services, and goals *Providing technical assistance to school districts *Implementing regional support activities to assist district and school staff
What are some ways you elevate the Arts?
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SBCEO administers the Children’s Creative Project (CCP), the non-profit organization that hosts the dynamic I Madonnari Chalk Festival at the Santa Barbara Mission each year. Last school year, our CCP team coordinated nearly 13,000 workshops presented by resident artists in 1,432 classrooms countywide. We also: *Partner with the Music Academy of the West to provide a free Sing! program to schools *Partner with the Santa Barbara Bowl and present the Performing Arts Teacher of the Year *Connect schools to touring artists performances year-round
Preschool is so important for children. How are you helping with high-quality preschool?
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We serve 5,900 families with childcare subsidies, reducing and eliminating costs for families *67 trainings for early educators *Operate 11 childcare and preschool centers throughout the county
Does the Santa Barbara County Education Office operate any schools or direct-student programs?
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Yes, WASC-accredited Dos Puertas School at the Juvenile Justice Center. *WASC-accredited Peter B. FitzGerald Community School in Santa Maria. *11 nationally accredited childcares and preschools in Lompoc, Los Alamos, Santa Ynez, and Santa Maria. *Special education programs serving 850 students across the county.
What new work is happening at SBCEO to support school safety and emergency response countywide?
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We bring schools and law enforcement agencies together: we now use the same Standard Response Protocol (SRP) and convene countywide learning events for schools and law enforcement agencies. *We recently created a new position: School Safety Liaison, a former sheriff’s deputy.
What about traditional wood shops, auto shops, vocational training?
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Countywide, 12,000 high school students are currently enrolled in hands-on Career Technical Education (CTE) courses. In addition; *SBCEO’s CTE department has received and distributed more than $10.2 million directly to schools *In 2024-25, we provided $1.44 million for Building and Construction, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Architecture pathways
How are you helping to attract teachers and educators– and retain them?
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SBCEO offers credential programs that supports educators with a spectrum of opportunities: *Bilingual Authorization Program (BAP) Teacher Induction Program (TIP) *Preliminary Administrative Credential (PASC) Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) *We launched a new countywide recruitment campaign, Join the Journey, to draw people into the public education field, host countywide job fairs, and educator recognition programs to spotlight the impactful work of teachers and school teams.
How do you support college and career readiness?
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SBCEO administers Partners in Education (PIE), a non-profit that connects businesses and community volunteers with local schools to provide students with career experiences, mentorship, and real-world learning opportunities. *In the 2024-25 school year, 50 students completed the PIE Job Readiness program and secured internships at local businesses and organizations. Our CTE department has received and distributed more than $10.2 million directly to schools across the county.
What is SBCEO’s role in keeping schools fiscally accountable?
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SBCEO reviews and approves districts’ budgets to ensure reliability and solvency and Local Control Accountability Plans for student, parent, and public accountability. The reviews are calibrated across the state and follow strict legal policies and codes.
How does SBCEO connect and support groups countywide?
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We convene with the SBC School Boards Association monthly and launched a new Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, connecting student leaders across the county. In addition: *We facilitate and lead dozens of professional networks for specific like-roles and/or like-subjects creating essential space for educators to share expertise and build understanding.